Albina M. Sweltz19211010 - 20160221

Visitation

Funeral Service

Sweltz, Albina M., 94, Johnstown, passed away February 21, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. Born October 10, 1921, in Carnegie, daughter of the late Frank and Ursula (Swete) Pristow Prschin. Proceeded in death by parents; husband, John J. Sweltz; sisters, Ann Fichera; and Florence Newton. Survived by daughters; Nanci Gaborek, married to Bill, of Johnstown; Shyran Albert, married to James, of Maryland; son Curtis Sweltz, married to Brenda (Albert), of Delaware; sisters, Frances Hillman and Matilda Blozevich, both of Johnstown; 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Before her 30 year career as an operating room nurse at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital and providing nursing care at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, Albina ran a grocery store in Bon-Air with her husband, John, and she served as the town’s Postmaster as well. She also was a crane operator at U.S. Steel during WWII. Proud of her Slovenian heritage, John and Albina traveled to Slovenia to meet relatives with whom they kept active contact.

Albina was a lifelong member of SNPJ Lodge 254 where she bowled and was a Balina Team Champion member. Albina was a familiar figure at Polka dances throughout the area, with her enthusiasm filling the room. She brought that same joy for her love of BINGO and she played regularly until last week. She also sang with the Senior Center Serenaders, volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce, and was a dedicated parishioner of St. Barnabas Church, all while pursuing her hobbies of flower arranging, candy making, crafting and gardening. Albina’s ardent rooting for all Pittsburgh teams was matched only by her devotion to the teams on which her grandchildren played or coached, often traveling hundreds of miles to see them play in states from Michigan to Maryland. Albina’s yearly vacation to the beach with her extended family was one of her favorite times of the year. A staunchly loyal daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend her kindness, humor, and sense of adventure will be missed. Albina truly loved living every moment.